going for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone will be absent or away for a certain period of time. Example: "I'll be going for a while, so please take care of the house while I'm gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We had it going for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's been going for a while".

The New York Times

But it was difficult going for a while.

The New York Times

Hopefully I can keep it going for a while".

The New York Times - Sports

"I had put off going for a while".

The New York Times - Arts

"That's the way it's been going for a while".

The New York Times

That little lot should keep you going for a while.

The Guardian - Sport

This spat has been going for a while then... click here to read the full article.

The Guardian

That isn't where I see my life going for a while".

The New York Times

SB: After the band had been going for a while you started adding more electronic elements.

The Guardian - Music

I think I've had enough tests of character to keep me going for a while.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going for a while" to indicate an activity, state, or process that is expected to continue for a notable duration. It's versatile and can apply to various contexts, from personal endeavors to broader trends.

Common error

While "going for a while" is widely understood, it might sound too casual in formal documents. Opt for phrases like "continuing for some time" or "remaining active for a prolonged period" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going for a while" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration of an action or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase describes how long something has been or will be happening.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going for a while" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate that something has been or will be happening for a notable duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While its register leans toward neutral to informal, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "lasting for some time" in professional or academic settings. Understanding its proper usage and context helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lasting for some time

Emphasizes the duration of something.

continuing for a period

Focuses on the ongoing nature of an event or activity.

persisting for a duration

Highlights the sustained existence of something.

remaining for a length of time

Indicates something stays in a certain state over time.

keeping up for a certain period

Focuses on the maintenance of an activity.

extending for a while

Highlights the prolonged reach of something.

enduring for a duration

Emphasizes the ability to withstand over time.

holding on for a certain time

Focuses on maintaining a position or state.

carrying on for a bit

An informal way of saying continuing.

staying active for a while

Highlights the continuation of activity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "going for a while"?

When something is described as "going for a while", it means that it has been happening, or is expected to happen, for a noticeable duration of time. The exact length of time implied can vary based on context.

What can I say instead of "going for a while" in a formal context?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "lasting for some time", "continuing for a period", or "remaining for a length of time" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is "going for a while" grammatically correct?

Yes, "going for a while" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage.

How does "going for a while" differ from "going for a short time"?

"Going for a while" implies a longer duration than "going for a short time". The former suggests a substantial period, while the latter suggests a brief interval. The choice depends on the specific duration you want to convey.